Maintenance and restoration: Following on from my report last month, an Automatic Weather Station has now been purchased to give live details of weather at the mill. Trials are in progress. Some extra equipment will need to be purchased before this can become fully operational on top of the mill. I will keep you updated on progress.

The removal, refurbishment and replacement of the two sweeps will go ahead in May as previously announced. Many thanks to those volunteers who have come forward to help with the refurbishment - but we could still do with more ! Anyone interested please contact us .

A dendrochronology survey has just been completed on the mill. The signs are encouraging that the core samples taken should reveal the age of the timbers relatively accurately. The results will be available in 6 to 8 weeks. Watch this space …. !

The dresser is nearly complete, work now focussing on the drive mechanism. The Roundhouse weather seal is nearly completed and the eagerly anticipated production of flour is waiting for reasonable wind conditions and the availability of volunteers to be synchronised.

Dates for your diary: Future Event Days this year will be on Sundays, 7th July and 1st September, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and smaller, Open Afternoons on Sundays 7th April, 2nd June, 4th August and 6th October, 2 - 5 p.m. A free shuttle bus will run from the Thatched Inn on Event Days as there is no parking at the mill.

National Mills weekend is on 11th and 12th May when mills around the country, including Oldland Mill, will be welcoming visitors between 2 - 5 p.m. on both days. As always, refreshments will be available.

Further details regarding exhibitors, themes etc. as soon as I have them.

We are also delighted to announce that Ditchling Morris will be performing at Oldland Mill on 1st June and 13th July. A team of traditional French dancers are visiting from Dieppe and will dance with Ditchling Morris at the mill at 2 p.m. on 1st June. This dance group aims to relive the past of the fishing quarter known as Le Pollet, in Dieppe by telling stories through dance about its fishing history and lifestyle. They wear the traditional costume of the fishing community mainly from the 17th century. Ditchling Morris will be dancing too, of course, in traditional bells, sticks and hankies style. The second date is Saturday 13th July at 11.30 a.m. Ditchling Morris are planning a local dance tour with some other Sussex teams...Knots of May (clog dancers) and Rampant Roosters (who are bells, hankies and sticks). Refreshments will be available on both dates. Entry by voluntary donation - do come and support us and enjoy the atmosphere created by these wonderful entertainers.

George Rankin

PRESTIGIOUS SUSSEX HERITAGE AWARD FOR OLDLAND MILL

At the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards Ceremony in Chichester, Oldland Mill Trust received the Sussex Heritage Public & Community Award, sponsored by The Lady Joseph Foundation. This major award does justice to the team of volunteers who have worked tirelessly over the past thirty years to restore the mill to her former glory.

Oldland Windmill was built in 1703 and was used commercially until 1912 when she was abandoned. She is a Grade 2 Listed Building. Restoration work commenced in 1980 and is now virtually complete with flour being ground again in 2008. She was rebuilt by a team of 20 local volunteers using the original components or identical materials where necessary. Two retired Millwrights, Danny Jarmann & Mike Peat, provided guidance.

The slate plaque, presented to Chairman Professor Fred Maillardet, will be on display at the mill. The mill is also open every Thursday throughout the year when the volunteers are happy to show the public what they have achieved.

Chairman Professor Fred Maillardet receiving the award from The Rt. Hon. Lord Egremont, DL, President of the Sussex Heritage Trust